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Nitrate formation from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen photocatalysed by nano-sized titanium dioxide

Author

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  • Shi-Jie Yuan

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jie-Jie Chen

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Zhi-Qi Lin

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Wen-Wei Li

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Guo-Ping Sheng

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Han-Qing Yu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

The concentration of nitrate in aquatic systems is rising with the development of modern industry and agriculture, causing a cascade of environmental problems. Here we describe a previously unreported nitrate formation process. Both indoor and outdoor experiments are conducted to demonstrate that nitrate may be formed from abundant atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen on nano-sized titanium dioxide surfaces under UV or sunlight irradiation. We suggest that nitric oxide is an intermediate product in this process, and elucidate its formation mechanisms using first-principles density functional theory calculations. Given the expanding use of titanium dioxide worldwide, such a titanium dioxide-mediated photocatalysis process may reveal a potentially underestimated source of nitrate in the environment, which on one hand may lead to an increasing environmental pollution concern, and on the other hand may provide an alternative, gentle and cost-effective method for nitrate production.

Suggested Citation

  • Shi-Jie Yuan & Jie-Jie Chen & Zhi-Qi Lin & Wen-Wei Li & Guo-Ping Sheng & Han-Qing Yu, 2013. "Nitrate formation from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen photocatalysed by nano-sized titanium dioxide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3249
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3249
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    Cited by:

    1. Koh, S.C.L. & Smith, L. & Miah, J. & Astudillo, D. & Eufrasio, R.M. & Gladwin, D. & Brown, S. & Stone, D., 2021. "Higher 2nd life Lithium Titanate battery content in hybrid energy storage systems lowers environmental-economic impact and balances eco-efficiency," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    2. Zhuqiu Sun & In-Sun Kang & Qianyuan Wu & Jinying Xi & Hongying Hu, 2018. "Biotoxicity of Water-Soluble UV Photodegradation Products for 10 Typical Gaseous VOCs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-10, July.

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